The Y Social Impact Center is the social services branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. The mission of the Y Social Impact Center is to accelerate young people's abilities to build safe, successful and happy lives. Every year, we serve 5,000 children, youth, young adults, and families with programs that aim to strengthen young people’s ability to develop to their fullest potential through four strategies: reducing risk factors; navigating systems towards successful life transition; ensuring stability, safety and wellness in times of crisis; and building competencies and social capital. The Y Social Impact programs include housing, behavioral health, foster care services, violence prevention, education, and employment. Many of the young people we serve have had involvement in the foster care, criminal justice system, and/or homelessness systems.

This Independent Living Program Case Manager practicum position is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and dedicated team working with teens and young adults with foster care experience in King County! This position offers flexibility to take various case management, program evaluation/development, and community partnership work. Once ready interns will take on a small caseload providing life skill, goal planning, and system navigation case management services. The YMCA is the DCYF contracted ILP provider for all of Region 4 (King County). In this program we serve teens and young adults 15-23 years old throughout King County. We are grounded in a client lead and strength-based approach that supports young people as they build life skills and achieve their personal goals as they strive for self-sufficiency.

This practicum will include interactions with many community members, including DCYF social workers, legal supports, foster parents and biological parents, mentors, and other supports as identified by the young people we work with. Cross-program and community collaboration is a large part of what we do to ensure that young people are connected to appropriate and responsive resources. Opportunities to create custom projects and roles that align with the intern's career interests as well as agency's needs and values.

Many opportunities exist to learn about and be exposed to the following: state systems of care (including DCYF) and how they function/collaborate with providers; history of foster care and implications in today's world; the legislative process and specific engagement and advocacy during the legislative session; reviewing policies and procedures, discussing program development and policy implications.

Some experience working with youth and young adults is preferred, previous work with children and community members as applicable.

Email Emily Pitcher, Program Director, with a copy of your resume and intent to apply for this practicum placement.

eploch@seattleymca.org